By Okhide Em’ya David
Great Benin King, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has received two artefacts – Benin bronze statues of a Cockerel and an Oba Head from the United Kingdom.
The presentation was made at the Oba Palace by the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United kingdom, Ambadssdor Tunji Ishola Sarafa.
It was indeed a historical event as the Old Benin Culture came alive with aesthetic exhibition of myths, Magic, Benin Ancient Drum beats blended with age long Dance and drama.
No fewer than 10,000 artifacts were said to have been looted from the Benin kingdom by British invading forces in 1897 and scattered across different parts of the world.
The returned artifacts, comprising a bronze statue of Cockerel and an Oba Head were repatriated from Cambridge University, Jesus College and University of Aberdeen, Scotland respectively.
The Obasuyi of Benin, Chief Charles Edosomwan, while welcoming Guests expressed deep appreciation to everyone for their presence to witness the significant event, the return of looted artefacts.
The Director General, National Commission for Museum and Monuments, Prof. Abba Issa Tijani said the event is a great historic moment for the Benin Kingdom, Nigeria and the commission and assured of continuous engagement with institutions still holding on to Benin Artefacts globally on how they can be returned.
In a remark, the Nigeria High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Ambassador Tunji Ishola Sarafa said he was in Benin on the directive of President Mohammed Buhari to return the artefacts to its rightful place.
He also expressed appreciation to the British government for granting the export licenses, which made the return of the artefacts seamless.
His words: “I am given just one assignment to do here by President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, and the assignment is very simple. To directly hand over the artifacts to the Oba of great Benin Kingdom. This is the Presidential directive.”
“I want to thank British Government for preserving the artifacts to still be in the same form they were when they were taken in 1897. Not only that, value has added to these artifacts.
“As at today, the Cockerel is value at £2m at Great Britain and it is brought back here. Oba Head also value at £500,000 at Great Britain, and it is also brought back here. We are still working to make sure many of them come back home,” he said.
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, whose speech was delivered by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, said the bronzes transcend mere art, but “mostly of religious significance to us and these two bronzes will return to where they rightly belong.”
While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for taking keen interest in the repatriation of the bronze, the Benin Monarch appealed to those who are “genuinely interested in the cause should join us in the interest of peace, tranquility and the substance of our cultural heritage.
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, said that they should liaise with the Oba of Benin to ensure the return of other artifacts to the palace of the Oba of Benin.
